'Most relaxing tune ever' should not be listened to while driving, experts warn

The world’s most relaxing song has been scientifically manufactured based on a number of musical principals. The 8 minute piece is more relaxing than a massage, walk or cup of tea according to a study commissioned by Radox Spa.

The song, created by British band Marconi Union (with the help of a sound therapist), has been named Weightless. It features piano, guitar and Buddhist-like chants designed to induce a trance-like state in its listeners.

In one study, 40 female participants were given challenging puzzles to tackle in order to induce higher levels of stress. Scientists then played Weightless to the women, who’s stress levels were measured via a number of attached sensors. The song reduced overall anxiety by 65% and bought them to a level 35% lower than normal resting rates. Many of the women reported feeling “drowsy” during the experiment.

Other studies have found that Weightless is 11% more relaxing than any other song, including those by the very drowse-inducing Coldplay.

Lyz Cooper, founder of the British Academy of Sound Therapy, said: “While listening, your heart rate gradually comes to match that beat. It is important that the song is eight minutes long because it takes about five minutes for this process, known as entrainment, to occur. The fall in heart rate also leads to a fall in blood pressure. The harmonic intervals – or gaps between notes – have been chosen to create a feeling of euphoria and comfort.”

Sound therapy has been used for thousands of years to help people relax. Brain imaging studies show that music has a significant effect on the brain. It not only stimulates sound-processing regions of the brain, but also ones associated with emotions.

If you are feeling stressed or anxious, you may be interested in consulting a therapist. There are many different types of therapy. To find out more, please feel free to browse through our Therapy Topics.